Civilian uses of nuclear reactors in space

The potential for civilian mission applications of space nuclear reactor power systems is addressed in this paper. A wide range of possible civilian missions, including human and unmanned solar system exploration, are identified, along with earth-orbit applications. These missions would require versatile, high-capacity space power systems whose attributes can best be provided by nuclear technology. The long mission durations, the high power levels required to fulfill many of the challenging mission objectives, and in some instances the lack of solar energy render the use of nuclear power sources as either mission-enabling or very advantageous.